Purification Processes

Water purification processes and technologies differ, but they generally follow a series of steps to produce water safe for drinking and cooking.

Ozonation and Biological Activated Carbon (BAC)

During ozonation, wastewater is infused with ozone to deactivate pathogens, degrade pollutants and destroy odor-causing compounds. Then, biological activated carbon helps remove byproducts of ozonation. During that process, organic matter adheres to the activated carbon, filtering it out of the water.

Microfiltration/Ultrafiltration

Microfiltration or ultrafiltration is an early step in the potable reuse process. At this stage, water enters microfiltration or ultrafiltration cells and is forced through a fiber-filled module with microscopic pores that can be 300 times narrower than a human hair. These pores are so small that most impurities are too large to pass; they remove particles, bacteria and viruses before water moves to the next step of purification.

Reverse Osmosis

During reverse osmosis, high-tech membranes filter out additional impurities such as salts. This technology has been used to create drinking water on naval ships and space stations for decades. It involves forcing water through membranes with pores that are 0.002 microns or smaller and only allow water molecules to pass. Minerals, calcium, chloride, sodium, chlorine, salts and dissolved solids are removed.

Advanced Purification Facility

Purified Water

Purified water is returned to the drinking water system through aquifers or reservoirs for potable use.

Drinking Water Treatment

Public drinking water systems treat water from aquifers and reservoirs using techniques such as sedimentation, filtration and disinfection to ensure a pure, safe water supply that meets state and federal standards.

Your Home

Purified water – blended with other water supplies – is delivered to homes and businesses around the region, restarting the urban water cycle.